Summary

Copper one Penny Token, minted by W.J.Taylor of London or Heaton & Sons of Birmingham. Issued by T. Butterworth & Co, Drapers, Grocers & General Provision Merchants in Castlemaine, circa 1858. Although this business is named for an individual it was in fact run by four Butterworth brothers, Thomas, Robert, Benjamin and John. The brothers purchased their business from Messrs Sargood and Gardner, around 1856. The brothers were noted for conduct befitting successful men of their time, and involved themselves in the life of their community. Tom and Ben played Cricket for the Australian squad that played against the touring English Eleven in 1863, and Ben represented Victoria on several occasions during the 1860s. They were noted in the 1863 Victorian Cricketers Guide as batsmen and capable fielders. As activity at Castlemaine decreased, the brothers recognised the decline of their prospects and moved to Dunedin, New Zealand, sometime between 1862 and 1864, where their store was said to be thriving in 1910.

Physical Description

A round copper token (34 mm diameter). The token features the name, address and business of the issuer: T. Butterworth & Co., 1 Forest St. Castlemaine, wine & spirit merchants, wholesale & retail grocers & drapers.

Obverse Description

.T.BUTTERWORTH & Co. / 1 / FOREST / STREET / CASTLEMAINE The numeral 1 is 3.4 mm tall, border of 128 beads.

Reverse Description

At centre, WINE / & / SPIRIT / MERCHANTS around, WHOLESALE & RETAIL GROCERS & DRAPERS *

Edge Description

Plain

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